did first oil change and now it leaks
 

The drain plug was torqued at 29 and didn't bother to change the gasket. I've read that people aren't really changing them immediately after the first change, but would this be the reason why it's leaking?

It could be the reason for the leak. Although it would be safer to change it since its pretty cheap anyway, but replacing your engine isnt.

I plan on changing it once I can get a hold of one on monday, I was just curious since I've heard of people not even changing it.

I still have the original plug gasket on mine and I have NO leaks from it. Odd. I've already changed the oil twice.

I had mine leak once after an oil change. The crush washer that comes with the filter can sometimes get deformed during the tightening procedure and not create a good seal. The Toyota tech ended up putting some high temp RTV like stuff on it with a new crush washer when I brought it back in.

I re-used my crush washer, but as with other subaru's I've owned, I always add a dab of RTV around it (both sides) just to make sure it doesn't leak. I think next oil change I'm going to get a new one because it did look pretty tweeked, but then again NO LEAKS.

Fumoto valve here, no leaks no problems. A no brainer IMO if you are going to be doing your own oil changes.

The washer is supposed to be single-use. Either anneal it or replace it.

Fumoto valve is great for DiY changes. When you re-installed your old washer, and the drain plug did you wipe it off first? If you put it down and little bit of dirt or debris got on the mating surface it it could also contribute to a small leak.

ALWAYS use a new drain plug gasket!

Umm... oil pan drain plug gasket? Riiight.

a) Never seen one.

b) Didn't know there was one.

c) Therefore, never replaced when changing oil.

d) Going outside to look for puddle under engine.

:bonk:

Yes, all Subaru engines use Aluminum drain plug crush gaskets. They crush VERY flat when tight so they can stick to the plug and be hard to spot but they are there.

If you try to use some generic washer it will leak, if you don't replace it it will leak. They cost like $.90 so ALWAYS replace it, I'm kinda surprised people here don't know this already XD

I used to work at a Subaru dealer and all the time I would see leaky engines due to impropper drain plug gasket replacment, especially by places like Jiffy Lube (If you care about your car, DON'T GO TO JIFFY LUBE!!!)

Not sure if serious..
If you are, its there but its really stuck onto the drain plug almost as if it was painted over, gotta almost pry it off.

Okay... checked and it's not leaking. I was just confused because I've been changing the oil on my cars myself for like 15 years and I only ever saw the drain plug bolt, no washer. But this is my first "Subaru" engine. Thanks for the tip.

The More You Know...